|
Post by greeneyesrolex on Nov 22, 2007 8:30:53 GMT -5
I am new to the forum, I have been stung by the Rolex bug and cannot break free. My family members think I am nuts . I have just acquired a GMT model 6542 and have been searching for infromation on its value. I have been a collector for over 20 years yet I am still learning and would welcome any suggestions.
|
|
|
Post by timefinder on Nov 22, 2007 9:10:14 GMT -5
Welcome to WTF Greeneyes Rolex!!!! I am not to familiar with prices on vintage models; but, you could go to auction sites to determine what the the going price is, or, you could hang around, and see what some of the experts have to say. BTW, do you have pics? Here are instructions for posting: Mr. Houston's School of Photography: POSTING PICS Posting pictures is very easy. Here's what you do - 1. Register with a picture host like photobucket.com This is a free service for up to 1,000 images. 2. Once registered, use the choose or browse function on your photobucket homepage to locate the image you wish to post, from your hard drive PLEASE REMEMBER to set the maximum size of the image 800 x 600 is best Anything else would make viewing and accessing the page for users difficult. 3. Click SELECT and then UPLOAD 4. Once uploaded, simply copy the fourth option under each image on your photobucket homepage and paste it into the body of your text here. This fourth link is the Image Tag. Again, welcome, and hope to see you around more often.
|
|
|
Post by JBHII on Nov 22, 2007 9:14:54 GMT -5
Welcome to WTF and the Rolex Forum Greeneyes! Please do post some photos - condition is everything on those vintage models.
|
|
|
Post by mike on Nov 22, 2007 9:38:48 GMT -5
Hi greeneyes, First of all congrats on acquiring what many collectors(myself included) consider a "grail" reference in the history of the GMT. As has been stated, valuations of vintage pieces depends so much on condition. The reference 6542 was the first GMT introduced by Rolex in collaboration with Pan Am Airways for use by their pilots. The reference made it's debut circa 1954 at the Bazel watch show. Using a 1066 movement the 6542 was unique in the it was the first watch introduced by Rolex allowing the viewing of multiple timezone via a rotating bezel. Early examples used what was know as a "bakelite" bezel insert. Users quickly identified a problem with the bakelite insert as it was fragile and prone to breakage. Rolex quickly moved to cure this problem with the use of an aluminum insert as found today in references up till the new 116710. Indeed examples with the bakelite that have survived command high premiums today. Additionally original examples with their lovely gilt/gloss dials are the stuff of collectors dreams. Pricing can run the gamut from 7kisk for an example with a service replacement dial, aftermarket insert etc... to over 20K and more for a pristine example. Perhaps the most rare reference in Rolex's history is the WHITE dial 6542 made for Pan Am executives (bit of a history there). Placed at perhaps 150 examples these watches command pricing in six figures and seem to be traded privately among collectors. Here's a bit of history on a very storied watch and my favorite reference. www.ukwatches.com/Notes/rfgmt.htmCongrats! And please post a photo when you can.
|
|
|
Post by greeneyesrolex on Nov 22, 2007 10:55:10 GMT -5
A big thanks to everyone. I have posted two photos and I feel humble as I am not a photographer in the company of this forum. I know a little bit about all of you and feel that I should share a story with you. Paul has been an amateur Horologist since 1985 when he discovered a watch in a cigar box in a converted Victorian house/gift Shoppe. This was no ordinary watch it was gold in color and very tarnished, he noticed the number 750 stamped on the back of the case. The front of the watch was crushed the glass was cracked and the hands were under the cracked glass but not attached. He asked the storekeeper how much for the item, the storekeeper replied $5 and it was sold. Later that day he went to chat with a friend of his who was a jeweler and had him examine the item, immediately his friend offered him $5000. This was a great offer and he had no reason not to accept, but something told him to investigate further. After many calls and trips to the library he contacted an auction house. They instructed him to mail the item however it was to precious to mail so he went to their offices instead. Upon arrival he was greeted by a young lady who asked if she could help him, he introduced himself and she stated that the owner had been waiting for him. Keep in mind that he did not say he would be there in person, she asked him to follow her upstairs in to the corporate offices. They entered the owner’s office and much older gentleman greeted him and quickly asked for the item. He put on a loupe and began his examination, this took about 15 minutes. Once he completed the examination he asked “do you know what you have here”? Paul replied a valuable watch, and the gentleman said yes a piece of history. They negotiated a price and the transaction was complete, since that day the love of horology has grown and so has the collection of many different brands. He as been afforded the opportunity of travel to many different countries by the global company that he works for and thus speaks several languages. He has toured several manufactures in different countries and continues to love the art of time. Yes the money was great but so is the mystery of how a watch works. Here are the links. Respectfully, Paul-Greeneyesrolex i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc277/greeneyesrolex/P1010014.jpgi219.photobucket.com/albums/cc277/greeneyesrolex/P1010015.jpg
|
|
|
Post by GJ on Nov 22, 2007 11:05:55 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by mike on Nov 22, 2007 11:30:06 GMT -5
Paul, from what I can tell from the photo you have a lovely example. Congrats! It appears your watch has a service replacement dial bearing the latter WHITE writing that was used at the time, inclosed minute track, with the legend "SWISS T<25" at the 6 o'clock. A designation indicating less than 25 milicuries of radition emited by the tritium. ( A measure of such thing at the time). The watch has a latter replacement large 24 hr. hand as opposed to the small 24. hr. hand that would have been standard at the time. The RED/BLUE insert also appears to be a latter replacement....again normal as Rolex moved to replace the Bakelite due to the breakage problems discussed above. I can't tell if you riveted bracelet (correct for the period) is standard or one the expansion types used untill the mid 60s. The lugs appear in remarkable shape as does the caseback (though a bigger scan would help). All in all, assuming the movement is good a wonderfull example of a special time in Rolex history! Many congrats!!
|
|
|
Post by greeneyesrolex on Nov 22, 2007 11:57:59 GMT -5
Thank You Mike,
I have tried to take close up's of the lugs and bracelet but they turned out blurry. The only time I have seen the movement was the day I purchased the watch. It is in good working order and has the butterfly type rotor. One thing I questioned when I made the purchase was how good it looked the inside is clean and the caseback is stamped IV 56
|
|
|
Post by mike on Nov 22, 2007 12:18:10 GMT -5
Thank You Mike, I have tried to take close up's of the lugs and bracelet but they turned out blurry. The only time I have seen the movement was the day I purchased the watch. It is in good working order and has the butterfly type rotor. One thing I questioned when I made the purchase was how good it looked the inside is clean and the caseback is stamped IV 56 Wonderfull Paul! It's examples like this that make vintage such fun! The history these great old pieces have and the stories they could tell.... These are watches the likes of which we will never see again. The GMT has always held a special place for me. Someday I hope to add a 6542 to my modest gathering. If I may, one that holds a special place for me, A reference 1675 circa 1966, bearing a 1.3 mil. serial number, gilt/gloss and small 24 hr. hand. Recently serviced this old piece keeps time at +1 sec. a day with it's 1575 slow beat movement, Just love the "opens"
|
|
|
Post by greeneyesrolex on Nov 22, 2007 12:21:51 GMT -5
This is an awesome piece, I am so happy that you have shared the photos.
|
|
|
Post by greeneyesrolex on Nov 22, 2007 12:24:13 GMT -5
Please forgive me as I am learning how to navigate the forum. I learned that if I click off of the reply box I can no longer type...lol ;D If I may ask how did you get such a detailed close up?
|
|
|
Post by mike on Nov 22, 2007 12:40:04 GMT -5
Please forgive me as I am learning how to navigate the forum. I learned that if I click off of the reply box I can no longer type...lol ;D If I may ask how did you get such a detailed close up? Paul, I'm not a photographer. I consider it victory if I can keep my thumb out of the picture. LOL! I set my camera on macro with the use of a tripod, and crop the picture to the part I want to show. John and the rest of the real photographers can give you much better insight than I can. Here's one of a 1680 I have to try and show The size of Submariner in RED on examples circa 1970-72,
|
|
|
Post by pauleypaul on Nov 22, 2007 12:42:43 GMT -5
That is a fantastic watch! Regardless of model i do love a Tritium dial. Never seen one with a small pointer on the 24hr hand either, i really like that. :-)
|
|
|
Post by mike on Nov 22, 2007 13:03:58 GMT -5
That is a fantastic watch! Regardless of model i do love a Tritium dial. Never seen one with a small pointer on the 24hr hand either, i really like that. :-) I do to Paul. Many feel the small 24 hr. hand went away with the change from the gilt/gloss dial to the matt/white circa 1967. With Rolex nothing is ever set in stone and crossover occurs, but the small hand does speak to a different era compared to the larger,
|
|
|
Post by greeneyesrolex on Nov 22, 2007 13:11:23 GMT -5
Guy's these are so awesome, I am so pleased that I have joined this forum
|
|